People with lung disease often avoid activities or exercise. People with asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis may find exercise makes them short of breath. However, breathing exercises and regular physical activity can actually improve lung function. Some hospitals offer rehabilitation courses for pulmonary recovery.
Exercise and Lung disease should go hand-in-hand. An exercise program can help you regain a sense of control over your life, increase your self-esteem and improve your overall quality of life. Exercise has proven to be beneficial to thousands of people with Lung disease. Before beginning any type of exercise program, it is important to speak with your health care provider to make sure the program you choose is safe. If there are reasons that may prevent you from doing certain types of exercises, your doctor can discuss possible alternatives that may better suit you.
Know Your Limits
When you first begin your exercise routine you may quickly become fatigued but don’t get discouraged. It is important that you realize what level of exercise you can achieve safely. As your endurance level builds, you will be able to exercise longer with less effort.
Set Goals
Exercising will give you the most satisfaction if you set a reachable goal and work toward it. Determine what your goals are by writing them down. Keep your goals in mind when you hit a rough spot that may cause you to feel discouraged. Whether your goals are to breathe better or to rely less on others, identifying your goals will help you better accomplish them.
Types Of Exercise
The basics of a safe and effective exercise program include choosing an exercise you will enjoy. There are three types of exercises that you can incorporate in to your exercise routine:
- Flexibility exercises will help you improve your range of motion, posture and breathing exercises should be done before and after exercising. Flexibility exercises include stretches of your neck, shoulders and calves.
- Endurance exercises improve lung function, as well as your heart and blood vessels. In the long run, these are the best types of exercises to help you withstand activities of daily living. Endurance exercises include walking, biking or swimming.
- Strength-training exercises build and strengthen muscles. Strong muscles will allow you to perform daily activities, such as housework or mowing the lawn, with less effort. Examples of strength training include lifting weights or working with stretch bands.
Exercise and lung disease are two things many fear. Shortness of breath, weakness and lack of energy often tie into this fear. Learning the basics of exercising when you have lung disease will get you well on your way to living a healthier lifestyle. As always, consult your doctor before starting any exercise routine!